Category: North Edinburgh News

Edinburgh digital start-up powers ahead with Business Gateway support

An Edinburgh-based digital and web services start-up is building a successful future after its founder turned to Business Gateway for support at a critical moment, following two years of significant personal and professional hardship. 

Power On Web Design, founded by Martin Kay in October 2024, provides creative web design, technology and digital consultancy services to small and medium-sized businesses across Scotland. Since launching in October 2024, the business has grown steadily, gaining recognition within the local business community and securing larger clients alongside its core start-up audience. 

For Martin, the launch of Power On Web Design marked a turning point following a challenging period both personally and professionally. After experiencing family bereavements, job losses and redundancy, he was also diagnosed with ADHD at the same time he first approached Business Gateway. Starting a business was not part of the plan but became an opportunity to rebuild and refocus. 

Drawing on a background in sales at a leading global cybersecurity firm, alongside a lifelong interest in creativity and design, Martin channelled his experience into creating a business focused on helping other small enterprises grow online. 

A turning point came when Martin reached out to Business Gateway for support. Working with adviser Lee Briggs, he accessed one-to-one guidance covering business planning, marketing and routes to funding. Lee also supported Martin through the application process for a start-up grant, working through the paperwork together and helping to remove barriers created by ADHD-related challenges. 

The funding secured through Business Gateway support enabled Martin to invest in key growth opportunities, including a Chamber of Commerce membership and having a professional exhibition stand produced.

These investments helped raise the profile of Power On Web Design, leading to new connections, increased confidence and a growing pipeline of work driven largely by word-of-mouth referrals. 

As the business has developed, Martin has also benefited from wider Business Gateway support, including access to expert help, workshops and introductions to local business networks. The business has since relocated to a new office space, providing a more focused environment and supporting continued growth. 

Martin Kay, founder of Power On Web Design, said: “There was a point where everything felt uncertain, both personally and professionally. Power On Web Design came from a need to change direction and build something meaningful, even when I didn’t have a clear roadmap. 

“Business Gateway played a massive role in that journey. At a point when I was struggling to find direction, their support gave me confidence, structure and encouragement. The one-to-one guidance and help with funding made a real difference and helped me take that first proper step forward.” 

Lee Briggs, Business Gateway adviser, said: “Martin’s journey is a powerful example of resilience. He approached Business Gateway at a difficult time and was open about the challenges he was facing, which allowed us to tailor support around his needs. 

“Through one-to-one guidance, funding support and access to wider networks, Martin has built a business with strong foundations. Power On Web Design is already making an impact, and I look forward to supporting the next stage of its growth.” 

Business Gateway Edinburgh offers tailored support for neurodiverse founders, including dedicated advice, resources and specialist workshops designed to reflect different ways of thinking and working.

This includes practical sessions such as marketing support for neurodiverse minds, helping entrepreneurs build confidence, develop strategies that play to their strengths and access guidance in a supportive environment. 

To find out more about how Business Gateway can help your business, visit:

https://bgateway.com 

Spartans’ Douglas Samuel is Scottish League Two Glen’s Manager of the Month January 2026

5000 DAYS IN CHARGE AT AINSLIE PARK

The Spartans manager Douglas Samuel has been named the Scottish League Two Glen’s Manager of the Month for January, capping a remarkable milestone of 5,000 days in charge of the Edinburgh club.

Samuel’s side delivered an impressive run of results during the month to position themselves firmly in the title race, underlining the consistency and progress achieved under his long-term leadership.

The month kicked off with a solid 2-0 victory over Dumbarton, before a commanding 6-0 win over East Kilbride. The club rounded off January with a 3-3 draw against Elgin City, securing seven points from three matches. 

This strong run has seen The Spartans position themselves as promotion contenders, as they continue their push for the top spot.

Colin Matthews, CEO of Glen’s owner the Loch Lomond Group, said: ““Reaching 5,000 days in charge of one club is an extraordinary achievement, and Douglas Samuel has marked it in fitting style with an outstanding month on the pitch.

“The Spartans’ performances in January demonstrated quality, consistency and attacking intent. His leadership and long-term commitment to the club have played a huge role in his success and he is a very worthy recipient of Glen’s Manager of the Month award. Congratulations to Douglas and everyone at Ainslie Park.”

The Spartans FC manager, Douglas Samuel, said: “I’m thrilled that our players’ excellent efforts in January have been recognised.

“This award is recognition for some high-quality performances, and for everyone’s – staff and players – hard work up to this point in the season.”

Congratulations, Douglas!

Investment to help children and families

Local anti-poverty and cost of living initiatives set for cash boost

A total of 21 projects that pilot approaches to help to eradicate child poverty and boost incomes will be backed by almost £1.9 million across Scotland.  

Through the Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund, 19 regions will benefit from new projects designed to support communities with the cost of living.  

This includes:   

  • placing a debt and welfare adviser in 11 primary schools in Perth and Kinross  
  • providing energy bill vouchers and further energy cost advice to eligible parents in Argyll and Bute  
  • opening a new hub to upskill workers and increase incomes through work in Stornoway  
  • a mobile ‘Dad’s Barber’ which will offer free haircare in South Ayrshire, also opening the door to wellbeing support   

Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said:  “Eradicating child poverty, supporting families and giving children the best start in life are the guiding principles of this government. That’s why we are investing in local anti-poverty measures across the country, helping to improve services that are in the heart of communities.   

“Our efforts are already having a good impact on household finances, be that through free prescriptions, free bus travel for under-22s or the removal of peak rail fares. The Scottish Child Payment is also playing a key role in ensuring Scotland is the only part of the UK to see relative child poverty rates fall last year.  

“Our draft Scottish Budget 2026-27 goes a step further, making landmark interventions in our attempts to tackle the root causes of child poverty, while supporting the newest Mums and Dads with a premium payment for those eligible with children under one during 2027-2028, and guaranteeing the strongest package of financial support in the UK, putting more money in people’s pockets.”  

The draft Scottish Budget 2026-2027 includes plans to invest £8 billion through the social justice portfolio to tackle the root causes of child poverty, support vulnerable people and ease the cost of living.  

This is the third year the Child Poverty Practice Accelerator Fund has supported local projects. It is used to invest in local authorities and health boards to innovate and improve community-based anti-poverty initiatives, and to test their efficacy.    

Through Round Three, running between 2025 and 2028, £1, 885,879 will support 21 projects across 19 local authorities:   

  • Aberdeen City Council  
  • Angus Council  
  • Argyll & Bute Council  
  • City of Edinburgh Council  
  • Comhairle nan Eilean Siar  
  • Falkirk Council  
  • Fife Council  
  • Highland Council (2 projects)  
  • Midlothian Council  
  • Moray Council  
  • NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde  
  • North Lanarkshire Council  
  • Perth & Kinross (2 projects)  
  • Renfrewshire Council  
  • Shetland Islands Council  
  • South Ayrshire Council & Health and Social Care Partnership & NHS Ayrshire & Arran  
  • South Lanarkshire Council  
  • West Dunbartonshire Council  
  • West Lothian Council  

Dobbies’ Edinburgh unveils new foodhall format 

Chance to win hamper during launch weekend 

Dobbies has unveiled a vibrant new cottage kitchen garden style foodhall at its Edinburgh store. 

Edinburgh is one of Dobbies’ first stores to transform its foodhall with a further 47 stores planned in the coming weeks, offering customers the opportunity to discover and celebrate great food. 

The new foodhall reflects Dobbies’ commitment to investing in the Edinburgh store and responding to what local customers want. By listening to feedback from the Edinburgh community, new ways were identified to improve both the food range and the overall shopping experience.

The new foodhall at Edinburgh has opened with a host of introductory offers including 30% off Farmhouse biscuits and Belgid’Or chocolates and 20% off Coolmore cakes, and favourite brands like Fever Tree and Savoursmiths, available to 31 March. 

To mark the first weekend of opening from Thursday 19 February, sampling of some of the new products will be available at various times, and one lucky customer through the doors will win a hamper filled with selected products.

Jenna Bavidge, General Manager at Dobbies’ Edinburgh, said: “The foodhall is one of the most popular areas in the store and an important part of our garden centre experience. 

“We’ve been working hard on the new format that’s inspired by a cottage kitchen garden and brings together essentials, treats and seasonal variety through a range of both popular and new brands. We’re excited to welcome customers in to see the new ranges and try them for themselves.”

With more than 2,000 products, Edinburgh customers will be spoilt for choice, with Dobbies’ famous scones and tray bakes available, as well as a host of new brands like Botham’s of Whitby and Patteson’s. 

Sweet treats will be prominent with well-known brands like Bonbons, Lindt and Tony’s Chocolonely.

The new food hall will have its own greengrocer and deli counter, with everything to make the perfect cheeseboard or party platter, with a new range of chilled products including cheese, deli meats, olives and dips. To accompany this, there will also be a wide selection of biscuits for cheese, sharing bags of crisps and snacks, nuts and dried fruits. The pantry section will also host foods from around the world. 

There will also be premium frozen food ranges, with brands including Cook, FieldGoods and award-winning Supper Club, and ice cream from Jude’s.

The ranges of gift foods will increase with a broader selection of alcohol and premium soft drinks. Everything from gin gift packs to all-natural handmade beverages from Hullabaloo.

The new foodhall at Dobbies Edinburgh is open from Thursday 19 February. For more information visit dobbies.com.

Improving Community Eyecare

Budget to provide a record £144m for optometry services

People with visual impairments will receive care closer to home through a new Community Low Vision Service (CLVS).

Development work has begun on the new national service which will allow patients with visual impairment, that cannot be managed through glasses, lenses or surgery, to be supported by community optometrists instead of in a hospital setting.

Optometrists will provide care to these vulnerable patients to help them maintain their independence – including low vision aids such as magnifiers and lights, regular specialist assessments and signposting of additional help including mental health support and social services. This service will build on the success of community eyecare services already in place, the Community Glaucoma Service (CGS) and Anterior Eye Service. 

The CGS supports patients with lower risk glaucoma and ocular hypertension to be discharged from hospital and receive direct care from an accredited optometrist in the community. The Anterior Eye Service allows community optometrists to treat ten complex eye conditions which normally require a hospital visit.  

When fully operational it is estimated these services combined will support 40,000 patients to be fully treated in the community. 

The roll-out of the national CLVS will be supported by record investment of £144 million across all community eyecare in this year’s Draft Budget.

On a visit to Munro Optometrists in NHS Lanarkshire, Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “The introduction of our new low vision service is a significant step forward in our efforts to have more people treated in the community and close to home instead of a hospital setting.

“This new service will complement the programmes we already have in place – our Anterior Eye Service and Community Glaucoma Service – which together we anticipate will allow an estimated 40,000 patients to be treated closer to home.

“We know this delivers better outcomes and we want community optometrists to be the first port of call for all eye-related conditions – the national roll-out out of these services, backed by £144 million for the sector, will help free up substantial capacity in our hospitals.

“It has been nearly 20 years since free universal NHS-funded eye examinations were introduced in Scotland and we remain the only country in the UK to provide this vital service. We will maintain this crucial policy and I would remind people of the importance of having regular examinations which can help with early detection of a range of sight and non-sight threatening conditions.”

Fair Work Convention: Renewed Vision

Fair Work Convention unveils Renewed Vision for a fairer, more inclusive Scotland

The Fair Work Convention has shared its renewed vision for building a fairer, more inclusive Scotland.

This refreshed direction champions workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, with fairness and respect at the heart of Scotland’s economy.

Discover what this means for workers, employers, and Scotland’s future:

The Fair Work Convention has today announced a renewed vision for Scotland’s workplaces, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that every worker in Scotland benefits from the five dimensions of fair work; opportunity, security, respect, fulfilment, and effective voice.

Scotland stands at a defining moment in its fair work journey. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made, like reducing gender economic inactivity gaps, reducing workplace injuries and tackling low pay. Yet the work is far from complete. More needs to be done to enhance fair work across Scotland’s economy.

Building on its longstanding role as an independent advisory body, the Fair Work Convention aims to position Scotland as a global leader in fair work, with a particular focus on driving measurable improvements for workers, employers, and wider society.

Fair Work Dimensions
Five Pillars of Fair Work

The renewed vision sets out five pillars of Fair Work:

  • Security: Ensuring stable employment with predictable hours and clear opportunities for career progression.
  • Respect: Promoting safe, healthy, and supportive working environments that foster wellbeing and ensure flexibility that works for everyone.
  • Fulfilment: Encouraging investment in skills for both the present and the future, and supporting work that offers autonomy, purpose, and opportunities to shape decisions.
  • Opportunity: Championing inclusive employment practices that ensure all of Scotland’s people can access fair work.
  • Effective Voice: Securing genuine channels for workers to be heard at every level, with a particular emphasis on strong collective bargaining structures and workplace access for trade unions.

As part of this renewed direction, the Convention will strengthen its role in providing independent scrutiny, guidance, and monitoring, supporting partners across Scotland to translate fair work principles into tangible, real‑world progress.

Fair Work Convention Co-Chair Professor Patricia Findlay said: “We know that Scotland faces ongoing economic challenges that demand resilience, adaptability and innovation.  Fair work is not just a moral imperative; it is an economic necessity.

“We want Scotland to be recognised internationally as a nation where fair work is at the heart of our economic success,”

Fair Work Convention Co-Chair Chris Westcott added: “This renewed vision reinforces our commitment to ensuring that all workers, regardless of sector, background or job role experience fair and meaningful work.

“Now is the time to reaffirm our commitment to fair work and its crucial role in delivering the type of Scotland we want and need.”

Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “The Scottish Government remains committed to fair work and has awarded £6 billion in public sector grants to organisations which follow Fair Work First criteria.

“It’s paying off. Scotland is the best performing of all four UK countries with the highest proportion of employees aged 18 or over – 88.7% – being paid the real Living Wage or more.

“This renewed direction from the Fair Work Convention helps strengthen our shared ambition to ensure workplaces across Scotland deliver security, opportunity, respect and a meaningful voice for every worker. This is central to building a stronger, more inclusive and more resilient economy for the future.”

The Fair Work Convention will continue to engage closely with workers, employers, trade unions, and policymakers as it delivers on the vision and supports Scotland’s journey towards becoming a world-leading Fair Work Nation.

Edinburgh’s cycling boom continues

Bikes account for nearly 10% of journeys on Leith Walk and City Centre West to East Link

New traffic data collated by Cycling Scotland, Scotland’s national cycling charity, has revealed the continuing success of new protected cycle routes in Edinburgh.

Over a 48-hour period in September 2025, traffic surveys recorded 4,744 bikes on Leith Walk. This was out of a total of 48,832 travel methods recorded, meaning that 9.7% of people cycled their journey – the highest cycling modal share yet seen on the route.

On the western-most portion of the City Centre West East Link (CCWEL), at West Coates in Roseburn, 2,798 bikes were recorded over the same 48-hour survey period. This was out of a total of 30,175 travel methods recorded on the street, equating to 9.3% of journeys being made by bike – a new record cycling modal share for this section of the CCWEL.

At York Place, where the CCWEL’s protected cycle route connects to Leith Walk via Picardy Place, 1,921 cycle journeys were recorded over the two-day period. This is the largest number of bikes yet recorded at this location by a Cycling Scotland traffic survey and evidence of the growth in cycling being supported as routes join together.

At Great Junction Street, 2,023 cycle journeys were recorded, with a cycling modal share of 4% – both new records for this location, where new safe, protected cycle lanes are currently being installed as part of the Leith Connections project.

At all survey locations, strong peaks in cycling were seen at morning and evening rush hours, indicating that people are predominantly travelling by bike for everyday journeys, like commuting to and from work.

The data also shows that where safe, protected cycle lanes are provided, the vast majority of people cycling choose to use them rather than cycling on-road. 97% of cycle journeys along West Coates were recorded as being on the cycle lane, rather than the road, and 96% of cycle journeys on Leith Walk.

Cycling Scotland organises traffic surveys across Scotland to monitor changes in travel behaviour, working in partnership with all 32 local authorities at over 100 locations, with funding from Transport Scotland. Conducted biannually in May and September each year, these nationwide traffic surveys help to track changes in modal share, highlighting how new high-quality cycle routes such as this are supporting more people to make sustainable journeys.

Additional analysis of data from the fixed cycle counter network in the capital, further reveals the long-term impact of investment in safer cycling infrastructure.

In the south of Edinburgh where Quiet Route 61 meets on-street cycle lanes on Gilmerton Road, 4,676 cycle journeys were recorded through September 2025, compared with 1,561 journeys in September 2021 – a 200% increase. This follows improvements for people walking and cycling at the crossing, including and physical protection for the cycle lanes.

38,611 cycle journeys were recorded by a fixed cycle counter on North Meadow Walk through September 2025 – a 20% increase on September 2021. On nearby Bruntsfield Place, a 20% increase in cycle journeys was also recorded over the same period.

Michael Owen, an 89-year-old Edinburgh resident who uses his bike most days to stay fit, said: “I’m very supportive of improvements for cycling in the city. I’m approaching 90, and I use my bike to get local shopping most days. If it’s a decent day I might add a mile or two onto my journey.

“I’ve always used my bike to keep fit, particularly to build fitness for skiing trips and sports – now it’s my main way of looking after myself. It keeps me more mobile than otherwise.

“Convenience, practical reasons… it’s my best form of transport. If I have any appointments, medical check-ups in the city centre for example, I’ll get there by bike. I realise just how much easier it is to get around and to deal with everyday things by using my bike. The physical fitness is a big thing for me, it keeps me more mobile than otherwise.”

City of Edinburgh Council Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “The data here speaks for itself. We’ve consistently seen that where we commit to creating and improving cycling infrastructure, new users will follow.

“From supporting more liveable local neighbourhoods, to getting physical exercise and choosing to get around more sustainably, I’d encourage anyone thinking of getting on a bike this year to give it a try.

“Under our City Mobility Plan, we’re committed to making Edinburgh as easy for people to move around as possible, and cycling is one of the key sustainable transport modes that supports this.”

Nick Montgomery, Monitoring and Development Manager at Cycling Scotland, said: “What we see from the data is that where local authorities are investing in protected cycle lanes and improved networks of cycling routes, there are big increases in people travelling by bike.

“Future improvements would support even more people to benefit from cycling as a healthy, affordable, and environmentally friendly way of getting around and help Edinburgh continue to grow and thrive as a city.”

Agreeing Visitor Levy spend ‘is just the beginning’

Council Leader Jane Meagher sets out the many benefits the visitor levy will bring to Edinburgh, its residents and visitors:

We’re rightly proud that so many people want to visit and enjoy our historic and beautiful city – and of the significant benefit that tourism brings to our economy.

But with that popularity comes a cost: the pressure it places on our services and on the people who live and work here all year round.

We’ve long been aware of our responsibility to manage this pressure but, as the lowest funded local authority in Scotland, we had to find other ways of funding this.

I was delighted then that, having secured the powers to introduce a visitor levy for Edinburgh, we’ve now agreed the first round of spending programmes. This investment of nearly £100 million over the next three years will allow us to sustain and enhance our reputation as one of the most popular and enjoyable destinations in the world.  

As the first local authority in the UK to push ahead with a city-wide scheme, I know that other councils across the UK – together with the UK, Welsh and Northern Irish governments – are watching closely as they seek to develop similar schemes of their own. They should be encouraged by what they’re seeing.

Thanks to the funds generated from the Edinburgh Visitor Levy, as we now know it, we can transform our city into a cleaner, greener and more welcoming environment. We can invest more in our award-winning parks and greenspaces, doubling the number of park rangers and funding extra planting across the city.

We can help to put more police on our streets while new public toilets, upgraded bins and extra patrols will help to maintain Edinburgh’s streets, public spaces and public infrastructure to the high standard our residents and visitors expect.

We can also renew and restore attractions across Edinburgh, including bringing much-loved cultural venues like the Royal High School and Leith Theatre back into use for the first time in decades. 

We’ve listened to and taken account of the views of residents, the tourism industry and other stakeholders at every stage of the process – and I’m grateful to the many Council officers, Visitor Levy Advisory Forum members, businesses and residents for their valuable contributions and support.

This is just the beginning. As the scheme develops, we’ll continue to involve communities in spending decisions in their local areas – and the Forum will continue to help ensure the views of the city are taken into account over the next three years and beyond.

I’m sure, like me, they’re looking forward to seeing the many benefits the levy will bring to our city, our residents and our visitors.

Jane Meagher’s article first appeared in the Edinburgh Evening News

Community Energy Hustings

THURSDAY 5th MARCH at 7pm

GRASSMARKET COMMUNITY PROJECT

With the Scottish Parliament election just around the corner, the critical questions of who owns what and who benefits in the era-defining shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy are more pressing than ever.

Join us in person or online for a community energy hustings, hosted by the Scottish Community Coalition on Energy (Community Energy Scotland, Community Land Scotland & Development Trusts Association Scotland) where candidates from across the political spectrum will face your questions on local power.

This is our chance to demand clear commitments on support for community-owned renewable energy, on ensuring local wealth stays local, and on making sure the energy transition benefits every household, village and town across Scotland.

📅 Thursday 5th March

🕖 Doors open for refreshments at 6:30pm, event starts at 7pm

📍 Grassmarket Community Project, Edinburgh EH1 2QA (or join online!)

🎟️ Find out more and secure your ticket here: http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/…/shape-scotlands-energy…

Clarifying the law on Religious Observance at school

Strengthening young people’s rights

Schools will now need to inform pupils when a request is made by a parent or carer to withdraw them from religious observance and to consider any objection the young person may have, under legislation backed by MSPs.

The Children (Withdrawal from Religious Education and Amendment of UNCRC Compatibility Duty) (Scotland) Bill was passed in a final Stage 3 vote in the Scottish Parliament.

The Bill was introduced to Parliament to clarify the legal position around the withdrawal of pupils from religious observance in schools.

The changes will align legislation with existing guidance on religious observance to strengthen alignment with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in its international form.

Once brought into effect, the legislation will strengthen pupil’s rights in relation to religious observance and religious and moral education.

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “This Bill strengthens the protection and promotion of children’s rights in education, as well as those of their parents and carers. It builds on the wider progress we have made around the human rights of children and young people, while also ensuring parents continue to have a say on the religious elements of their child’s education.

“I recognise the wide range of views heard as the Bill has proceeded through the Parliamentary process. We will continue to adopt a collegiate and inclusive approach as these changes are implemented, including in the development of the new statutory guidance to accompany the legislation.“